Coonoor:
Coonoor is the first of the three hill stations of the Nilgiris. Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17kms from Udhagamandalam is the first of these hill stations. Coonor is not very commercialized and retains a certain amount of untouched charm. It is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Lady Canning's Seat, Dolphin's Nose, St Catherine Falls, Law's Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog.
It is about 19km. to the south of Ooty and is accessible by both train and road.
Sim’s Park:
Sim’s Park is a 12-hectare park in Coonoor, which exhibits over 1000 species of plants. On the road opposite the Sim’s Park is the Pasteur Institute. It is renowned for its research in the study of rabies.
Dolphin’s Nose:
Dolphin’s Nose around 10 km. away from Coonoor is an excellent viewpoint. It encompasses the Catherine Falls. Lambs nose is another point on the way to Dolphins Nose that too exposes a vast panorama.
Wellington Staff College:
On the way to Coonoor from Ooty is Wellington, the military town with rows and rows of barracks. The headquarters of the Madras Regimental Centre, the Indian Army and the Defence Staff College are located here.
St. Catherine Water Falls:
From Dolphin's Nose of Coonoor one can have a magnificent view of St. Catherine Water falls which is about 250 feet height. But it can be reached from Kotagiri at a distance of 8 kms. To reach the top of the hills tourist should take a diversion at Aravenu on Kotagiri - Mettupalayam road.
Kodanad View Point:
It is about 16 kms. from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris. On either side of the road one can see the panoramic view of the tea estates and the river Moyar is breath taking. A watch tower is there to view the panoramic view of Rangasamy peak and pillar. From Kotagiri bus services are available.
General Information
